Anti-Aging Tip: Live and Leave Like Jack LaLanne
A remarkable man, Jack LaLanne, left the planet recently at age 96 in the way we’d all like to do – healthy and active right up to the end.
It reminded me of a central theme in Dr. Terry Grossman’s lectures. Terry Grossman is an MD specializing in longevity medicine and he’s my anti-aging physician. Dr. Grossman and futurist Ray Kurzweil co-authored the book, “Transcend,” a comprehensive guide to staying healthy and living life to the fullest.
Dr. Grossman says we can live a healthy, active, sexy life right up to the end and he calls it ‘squaring the curve.’
He’s referring to the downward curve on most health graphs that begins about age 30, when the average person begins to lose some degree of strength, stamina, flexibility and energy.
Most such graphs show a steady line that begins to curve down and continues that way for decades until death. But Dr. Grossman says we can work on squaring the curve and keep that line level until the time when we die and it makes a sudden turn downward.
That’s exactly what Jack LaLanne did. Known as the ‘Godfather of Fitness,’ LaLanne squared the curve just like we’d all like to do. He lived a healthy, active life and then died a month ago of pneumonia at the age of 96 after a brief illness.
LaLanne had said more than once, “People don’t die of old age. They die of inactivity.” And the wonderful thing about his legacy is that he lived true to his beliefs and convictions, and never stopped living a full and active life. He continued to exercise daily well into his 90s.
Some of us who are old enough remember his TV show that began in the ‘50s and aired until 1985.
We also remember his trademark tight-fitting jumpsuit and his enthusiasm for exercise and fitness. I can still picture him doing jumping jacks – on black and white TV.
His determination to become fit grew out of a desperate attempt to curtail his addiction to sugar and relieve the suffering from terrible headaches, mood swings and depression.
After hearing a lecture by Paul Bragg about the health benefits of exercise and eating unprocessed foods, the young LaLanne swore off white flour, sugar and most fat and began eating more fruits and vegetables. By age 15, he had built a backyard gym of climbing ropes, chin-up bars, sit-up machines and weights.
Even if you’ve never heard of LaLanne, his ground-breaking work in body-building and strength training for extended health, as well as his nutritional guidelines, influenced the entire health and wellness awareness of the past 60 years.
Jack was definitely a trail-blazer way ahead of his time in the area of health and fitness. We’ve all benefited from his commitment to helping others build positive habits and live long, healthy and happy lives.
Yes, Jack LaLanne squared the curve and you can too. Think about it! Why waste away when you can use body, mind and spirit action steps to stay vital, interested and active until it’s time to go?
I’ve spent the past 7 years discovering and practicing these steps and have completely turned my life around. I can honestly say at age 74 that I have the stamina, energy and enthusiasm I had in my 20s and 30s! A major part of my daily exercise routine is the Five Tibetan Rites. You can watch a demonstration on how to do them at http://www.howtogrowyounger.com/p/tror.html
I send a grateful salute to Jack LaLanne for paving the way to health consciousness since the 1930s – and want to honor him for showing us how to live with strength and vigor until it’s time to leave. Growing younger isn’t about living forever – it’s about living and leaving like Jack LaLanne.
Click to Comment at the bottom and tell us any memories you might have about this fitness legend who had a positive influence on several generations.
Joy and Blessings!
Ellen – Your Grow Young Guide
Hi Ellen:
Yes, Jack La Lanne set a sterling example of what a long and healthy life can be for all of us. I talk about him in my new book coming soon, Transform Your Life: Seven Steps for Vitality and Youthful Living. Thanks so much for writing about him. You are a shining example of youthful living!
I, too, remember watching Jack LaLanne on a black and white TV. Recently I watched a few YouTube videos of his shows and his enthusiasm was so contagious. He said “Exercise is King; Nutrition is Queen” and he’s so right. It’s simple enough and it makes sense. RIP Jack! Thanks, Ellen, for paying tribute to a real hero.
Your thoughts on Jack’s life are appreciated. Paul Bragg was his mentor. Patricia Bragg was his friend.
Jack’s life leaves us all an example to follow through the years.
We can bring beauty and happiness into this world by remaining fit both mentally and physically.
Our body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”
Thank you, Carollyn. Yes! Our body is a gift and we are responsible for keeping it fit. That includes being loving, lovable and loved. Most of all, we need to love ourself – then we can forget about ourself and bring joy to others.
Hi Ellen,
Thank you for sharing your testimony to Jack LaLanne’s beautiful life. As I have shared with you, I am on the same path that you are on. I also do the five Tibetans and have recently added the Sun Salutation. I am in my 55 th chronological year. I gave a talk on Leadership to an audience last Saturday. One of the participants said that I was 39. The youthful looks are great, but what I treasure enven more is being able to comptete on the dance floor with partners who are in their twenties! I read something about the virtues of tomatoes. I have been eating almost half a kilo of them for breakfast in a salad. I is a great breakfast!
Keep up your wonderful work of reminding me of all the beautiful things in life, such as the legacy of Jack LaLanne’s life.
Cheers,
Nelson.
Wow, Nelson! I didn’t know that about tomatoes – I’ve been told that cooked and canned tomatoes have more nutrition and antioxidants than fresh tomatoes. Keep on dancing!!!! And thanks for sharing.
Love,
ellen
I still believe in good genes. My grandma just turned 91 last week and she did not lead a healthy lifestyle at all. She drank alot, didn’t exercise, but is still doing pretty well. Hopefully i inherited some of them 😉
It’s wonderful news that you are well! I speak about you all the time to people. My name is Rev. Dr. Mel Fareed. I would very much appreciate the song that your Dearest Peter has written
Be Blessed,
Mel
Ellen,
It is wonderful to hear from you again. I knew you had to have GOOD reasons to take your retreat, and I rejoice that you have made a journey that has brought healing to you. All of us on your “list” are here for you—please remember that!
Love and light,
Ann H.
San Antonio, Texas
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